We’re thrilled to share a milestone moment for wildlife in our region — the Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital is officially open and treating its first patients!
Nestled on Crown Land in Wollongbar, just a short drive from Lismore and Ballina, NRWH is the first bricks-and-mortar, all-species wildlife hospital in the Northern Rivers. After years of planning, fundraising, and incredible community determination, we’re proud to finally open our doors (Wednesday, April 9th 2025) and begin delivering urgent, specialist care to our region’s most vulnerable animals.
💚 Already Saving Lives
Even before the official opening, our veterinary team began caring for native wildlife from a temporary clinic in Bangalow in partnership with Vitality Vetcare. In just a few short weeks, we’ve treated over 40 animals — including threatened species like the rose-crowned fruit dove, as well as tawny frogmouths, flying foxes, turtles, pythons, and more.
With final Council approvals now in place, our new hospital is fully operational and accepting wildlife patients from carers, rescue groups, and the general public. Best of all, treatment is free of charge, thanks to the generous support of donors, grants, and volunteers.
“This is a dream come true for the region — and for every injured animal that now has a better chance of survival,” says NRWH Chair, Madeleine Faught.
🦘 Built for Our Region’s Wildlife
Designed in close consultation with wildlife carers and partner organisations, the hospital is equipped to treat all species of native wildlife — from marsupials and reptiles to birds and flying foxes. It also helps relieve pressure on local veterinary clinics and volunteer rescue groups, who have long been stretched by the volume and urgency of wildlife emergencies.
As a community-owned, not-for-profit charity, NRWH is powered by volunteers, fundraising, and government support. We gratefully acknowledge support from the Federal Government, NSW Koala Program, Crown Lands NSW, the Department of Primary Industries, local councils, philanthropic foundations, WWF Australia, and the many individual donors who made this possible.
🔬 What’s Next: Stage Two
While Stage One is complete, there’s still vital work ahead. We’re now working to secure funding for Stage Two, which includes:
- A purpose-built animal pathology and diagnostic lab to help monitor and manage emerging threats like avian influenza and koala retrovirus.
- New rehabilitation enclosures to care for recovering animals before their return to the wild.
“This hospital isn’t just about treatment — it’s about research and regional resilience,” says Founding Director Dr Megan Kearney. “We need to be ready to respond to disease outbreaks and protect our most iconic species.”
🎉 You’re Invited
We’ll be celebrating the hospital’s official opening with a community event in the coming weeks. It will be a chance for supporters, carers, and the public to tour the facility, meet the team, and see how your support is making a difference.
Stay tuned for the event announcement, and thank you for helping us make history for wildlife in the Northern Rivers.
